Victims of chronic dating violence: How women's vulnerabilities link to their decisions to stay*

This article describes relational and situational vulnerabilities that emerged from interviews with 28 women (7 Black and 21 White) who were victims of chronic abuse suffered at the hands of male dating partners. Based on a qualitative content analysis, we explore how these vulnerabilities relate to women's decisions to stay in their abusive relationships and consider the implications of racial differences that emerged. Prevention and intervention strategies that help women see themselves as active choice makers are discussed.